Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s four major islands. Located south of Honshu and east of Kyushu, it is enchanted by its rural landscapes, wooded mountains, coastal villages and rich spiritual heritage. Far from traditional tourist routes, it offers an immersion in a deep-rooted regional culture, carried by living traditions and welcoming residents. This guide helps you understand the geography of the island, organize your trips, explore its four prefectures and follow the traces of the most emblematic pilgrimage in the country.
Understanding Shikoku: Geography and Identity
Shikoku is surrounded by the inland sea of Seto to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Its elongated shape houses a preserved nature, between central mountains and coastal plains. Historically isolated, the island retains distinct local customs. It is divided into four prefectures: Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime and Kochi. The ensemble forms a territory suitable for traveling trips, whether in connection with the pilgrimage of the 88 temples or through the discovery of its artisanal, agricultural and maritime specialities.
When to go to Shikoku?
The climate is temperate and varied. Spring, from March to May, is an excellent time to see cherry blossoms, especially around castles or temples. Summer is warm and sometimes humid, but suitable for festivals like the Awa Odori. Autumn offers bright colors in the interior mountains. Winter, mild on the coast, can be cold in areas at altitude. Some sites remain open all year round, making it a possible destination in all seasons according to interests.
How to move
By train
The JR rail network covers the entire island, with lines like Yosan, Dosan, Tokushima and Kōtoku. It connects the main cities but remains limited in mountainous areas. The JR Shikoku Pass is interesting for several days of travel.
By bus
Long-distance buses connect large cities and complete the train. Local buses serve rural areas, but frequencies may be low. It is advisable to consult the schedules in advance.
By car
The car is ideal for visiting isolated areas and following a flexible route. Roads are well maintained, and signs are generally accessible to foreign drivers. Driving also allows to reach some remote temples of the pilgrimage.
Other means
Cycling is a popular option, especially for coastal portions. Ferry is used between some secondary islands and the main coast. Domestic flights exist between Shikoku and Tokyo or Osaka, but the train or bus remains preferable for local exploration.
The four prefectures of Shikoku
Tokushima
Located in the east, Tokushima is famous for the Awa Odori, one of the largest dance festivals in Japan. The city is also a gateway to the first temples of the 88 pilgrimage. The interior of the land is marked by the gorges of Iya, known for their hanging liana bridges and spectacular landscapes.
Kagawa
Japan’s smallest prefecture in area is distinguished by its capital, Takamatsu, a point of access to the Ritsurin garden, one of the most beautiful landscaped gardens in the country. Kagawa is also known for its sanuki udon, thick noodles served in many ways. The island of Naoshima, famous for its contemporary art, is accessible from its northern coast.
Equine
Ehime is dominated by the castle of Matsuyama, one of the few still standing since the feudal era. The city is also known for Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest spa resorts in Japan. The western coast offers beautiful views of the inland sea, including along the Shimanami Kaidō, a cycle route that connects Shikoku with Honshu.
Kochi
Kochi, south, is facing the Pacific Ocean. The city centre houses a lively street market and a well preserved castle. The interior of the prefecture is wild, crossed by the Shimanto River, often described as the purest of Japan. It is also an area associated with Ryoma Sakamoto, an important historical figure of the Meiji era.
The pilgrimage of the 88 temples (Shikoku henro)
The Shikoku henro is a course of 88 Buddhist temples attributed to the monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), founder of Shingon School. More than 1,200 km long, it can be made on foot, by car or by transport. Many choose sections to travel according to their available time. The pilgrims, calledohenro-san, wear a white outfit, a walking stick and often receive support and hospitality from the inhabitants. The pilgrimage crosses the island in a clockwise direction, starting generally in Tokushima and concluding in Kagawa.
Suggestions for routes
For a first discovery, a 5- to 7-day circuit can include Takamatsu, Naoshima, Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen and Iya gorges.
More adventurous travellers can spend 10 to 15 days on a full tour of the island, including Kochi, Shimanto Valley, Tokushima and portions of the pilgrimage.
Bike lovers can follow Shimanami Kaidō from Onomichi. Those who want to combine spirituality and nature can orient themselves towards a partial Henro route, between rural temples, mountains and remote villages.
Prepare your trip to Shikoku
Accommodation ranges from ryokan to guesthouses and urban hotels. Pilgrim hostels (shukubo) are sometimes available in temples. The JR Shikoku Pass or the All Shikoku Rail Pass are useful for train trips. The main stations have tourist information centres and facilities. For an extended stay, car rental is recommended. In summer, good hydration is required, and in winter warm clothing for mountainous areas.
Exploring Shikoku is a discreet, authentic region shaped by seasons, reliefs and beliefs. Whether it’s for hiking, relaxing in an onsen, participating in a festival or following the traces of Kūkai, the island offers a range of deeply human experiences, apart from the bustle of major cities.
Si cet article vous a apporté des informations utiles et peut aider d’autres voyageurs à préparer leur séjour, un avis Google en cliquant sur l’image suivante sera toujours apprécié.
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